The congresswoman María Elvira Salazar reacted with gratitude -and almost euphoria- to the placement of not one, but six billboards in response to the one in Palmetto that accused her, Marco Rubio, Mario Díaz-Balart, and Carlos Giménez of being traitors.
"I returned to district 27 and my staff told me there's a billboard war, that there's a billboard placed on Palmetto funded by the Democrats, claiming that I am a traitor. But then six billboards appear to counter those, funded by the I-220A people, expressing their gratitude and stating who the real traitors are," María Elvira said in a video posted on X.
The congresswoman stated that Cubans with I-220A, because they were bitten by communism and suffered its consequences, know who the real traitors are.
"They understand very well that we in Congress are the only ones helping them, that we are trying to ensure that the 'piece of trash' handed to them by the Biden Administration serves some purpose, that they can obtain parole and benefit from the Cuban Adjustment Act. I am the one who is grateful, because it’s six barriers versus one," she expressed with satisfaction.
The legislator referred to the Democrats as "bandits" for labeling the congressmen as traitors, when the real traitors are those dictators who have destroyed those countries.
The Republican took the opportunity to reiterate her support for Cubans with I-220A and her commitment to fighting for their legalization.
“I, María Elvira, remain committed to the I-220A and I know very well that under President Trump's administration you will have your parole and your legality,” concluded the congresswoman, who reiterated her promise of support.
Previous reaction of María Elvira
In an interview last week with Mario Vallejo for Univision, Salazar stated that he would tell those who paid for the billboard the same thing he would say to those who think Socialism is good.
He says that those who believe socialism is good are challenged to spend two weeks in Cuba to experience socialism; and in this case, those who call them "traitors" are invited to travel to Washington for two weeks to see up close how hard they work.
"That is the same thing I'm telling the people who put up the fence... 'Us, traitors?'" he questioned.
“I give you the opportunity to come and be with me for two weeks so you can see what it really means to work for District 27,” he concluded.
Recently, regarding the billboard, Salazar had declared to the Miami Herald, through his spokesperson: “No one in the U.S. Congress has fought more than I have for the Venezuelans, Cubans, and Nicaraguans fleeing the dictatorship. This is cheap propaganda in the style of Castro.”
The fence that everyone is talking about in Miami
The controversial billboard placed right on the Palmetto Highway accuses Cuban-American politicians in South Florida of being "traitors", for not supporting the immigrant community in the face of the strong immigration policies enacted during Donald Trump's administration.
The image on the poster showcases the black and white faces of the current U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, alongside the Cuban-American representatives María Elvira Salazar, Carlos Giménez, and Mario Díaz-Balart.
All appear against a red background, accompanied by the word “TRAITORS” in bold white uppercase letters.
Below, the message concludes with a triple accusation: “To immigrants. To Miami-Dade. To the American Dream”.
At the bottom of the poster, the message “Protect TPS / Protejan TPS” (Temporary Protected Status) is displayed, accompanied by the flag of Venezuela, reinforcing the complaint regarding the apparent indifference or rejection by those mentioned in maintaining that humanitarian immigration policy.
According to a report by El Nuevo Herald, the billboard is part of a campaign launched by the Hispanic Democratic Caucus of Miami-Dade County, an organization affiliated with the Democratic Party, which criticizes the inaction and silence of these Republican leaders in response to Trump's recent measures.
The true traitors
But it didn't stop there, as new billboards - at least one of which was placed in Hialeah - displayed the faces of Fidel Castro, Raúl Castro, Miguel Díaz-Canel, Nicolás Maduro, Hugo Chávez, and Daniel Ortega, alongside the message in English: “The real traitors – To their people. To freedom. To human rights. (Los verdaderos traidores - A sus pueblos. A la libertad. A los derechos humanos).
According to reports, the initiative was funded by more than 180 Cubans with I-220A immigration status.
“We feel indignation. We responded with the truth: the real traitors are those communist regimes that forced us to flee our countries,” stated Lianet Pérez, one of the promoters of the new campaign, in an interview with Telemundo 51.
"We are very grateful to those congress members. They have spoken up for us from the very beginning," she pointed out.
The group seeks to highlight the migratory situation of those living in legal limbo, without access to benefits or solid immigration protections. They assert that their actions are not driven by partisan interests, but rather by a recognition of those they consider allies in their struggle.
The organizers have already established communication with the offices of the mentioned congress members and have announced a rally in front of the Capitol on April 25 at 9:00 a.m., where they will continue to demand a legal solution for their cases.
Frequently asked questions about María Elvira Salazar's reaction and the situation of Cubans with I-220A
What prompted the placement of billboards in Miami accusing congress members of being traitors?
The billboards were part of a campaign by the Miami-Dade Hispanic Democratic Caucus that accused Cuban-American congress members of not supporting the immigrant community in the face of Donald Trump's immigration policies. The billboards labeled them as traitors for not backing TPS and other protective measures for immigrants.
How did María Elvira Salazar respond to the accusations of treason?
María Elvira Salazar expressed gratitude towards the Cubans with I-220A who put up six billboards in response, pointing out the communist dictators as the true traitors. Salazar defended her work in Congress on behalf of these immigrants and reiterated her commitment to helping them obtain legal status.
What is the I-220A status and why is it important for Cubans in the U.S.?
The I-220A is a supervised release document that does not provide clear immigration benefits. It is important for Cubans in the U.S. because many of them find themselves in legal limbo without access to solid immigration protections, complicating their integration into American society.
What is María Elvira Salazar's stance on Cubans with I-220A?
María Elvira Salazar has expressed her support for Cubans with I-220A, affirming her commitment to fighting for them to obtain legal status. She has worked on legislative proposals to regularize their situation and has criticized the Biden administration for the legal limbo in which these immigrants find themselves.
What actions has María Elvira Salazar taken to assist Cubans with I-220A?
Salazar has interceded with officials from ICE and DHS to prevent further detentions and has proposed a bill to grant them permanent legal status. He has reiterated his commitment to seeking solutions and has worked to ensure they can benefit from the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Filed under: